Affiliations: [a] Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências e Artes do Movimento Humano, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil | [b] Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil | [c] Faculdade Cenecista de Bento Gonçalves, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil | [d] University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Mônica de Oliveira Melo, Ave Willy Eugênio Fleck 1500, n. 1500, casa 187, Porto Alegre, Zip-code: 90150-180, Brazil. E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Runners not habituated to the forefoot strike pattern
may require specific strengthening of plantar flexor muscles to prevent
injuries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of eccentric training for ankle
plantar flexors on the kinetic and kinematic parameters of forefoot strike
running in individuals not habituated to this type of foot strike. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy (12 men, 12 women), 18-25 years of age
who were not habituated to forefoot strike running were randomly divided
into 2 groups: an experimental group (eccentric training for plantar flexors
performed using an isokinetic dynamometer, 3 times a week for 8 weeks) and a
control group (no intervention). Kinetic data (ground reaction force) and
kinematic data (angles of the ankle, knee and hip in the sagittal plane)
were recorded while the subjects performed the forefoot strike running
pattern at their preferred speed before and after a period of 8 weeks. RESULTS: Participants showed a reduction of 20% in the magnitude
of the impact as well as an increase of approximately 33% in the plantar
flexion angle and an increase of 14% in hip flexion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric training generated measurable changes in the
forefoot strike pattern and reduced the impact assessed by ground reaction
force.
